The “AirPods production in India” move by Apple marks a significant strategic shift in the global supply-chain of wearable audio devices. According to recent reports, Apple’s manufacturing partner Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) will increase the facility in Hyderabad from producing around 100,000 units per month to approximately 200,000 units per month.
This expansion is part of Apple’s broader strategy to diversify manufacturing away from China and deepen its footprint in India.
Why the Focus: AirPods Production in India
1. Capacity Expansion Details
The HYD facility at Kongara Kalan in Telangana began mass production of AirPods earlier this year (April). The expansion will involve revamping five existing assembly lines and transferring machinery from Foxconn’s Vietnam operations. The goal: output of about 200,000 units per month within the next six to eight months, up from just over 100,000 currently.
2. Workforce & Investment
With the increased capacity, the workforce is expected to grow from around 2,000 employees to approximately 5,000.
Investment at the plant is estimated at about ₹4,800 crore, with over ₹3,000 crore already deployed.
3. Strategic Supply-Chain Diversification
This ramp-up underscores Apple’s efforts to reduce dependence on its China-centred manufacturing, in favour of a more diversified global manufacturing base, including India.
Also, India’s significance as an export hub is increasing—not just for domestic consumption but also global shipments. Business Standard
4. Models & Production Mix
The facility currently produces newer AirPods models including the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 3. This expansion means India will play a larger role in Apple’s wearable audio segment.
5. Implications for India
- Job creation and industrial ecosystem uplift: The expansion will bring thousands of jobs and deeper manufacturing capabilities to Telangana.
- Boost to “Make in India” narrative: India is emerging as a credible manufacturing hub for premium global tech accessories.
- Potential impact on pricing/availability: With local production scaling, supply timelines may shorten and local cost structures may improve. Digit
- Export orientation: The production is not just for India but for international markets, enhancing India’s export footprint in high-tech manufacturing.
6. Risks & Challenges
- Supply-chain inputs: Earlier in 2025, production was impacted by a shortage of the rare earth metal dysprosium, due to Chinese export curbs.
- Time to ramp up: While the target is within six to eight months, bring-up of high-volume precision manufacturing takes time and may face delays.
- Global demand & geoeconomic risks: Shifts in global demand, tariff regimes, and supply disruptions remain risks.
Why This Matters – AirPods Production in India in Context
For Apple, the ramp-up in India is a strategic play: to hedge risk, localize production, and tap a rising manufacturing ecosystem. For India, it’s a win: deeper value-chain integration, high-value manufacturing jobs, and export growth.
In the broader global tech narrative, this marks another step in the shifting map of electronics manufacturing away from China and towards India or Southeast Asia.
What to Watch Next
- Timeline & Volume Confirmation: Monitor when the facility officially reaches the 200k units/month target.
- Model Mix: Which AirPods models (and accessories) will India produce next?
- Export Data: How much of this production is exported vs. sold domestically?
- Cost/Consumer Impact: Will this enable lower retail prices or faster availability in India?
- Supply-Chain Developments: How will component sourcing evolve in India (e.g., batteries, rare earths, magnets)?
